B.C. government accuses former drug researcher of giving ‘preferential treatment’ to family member

Malcolm Maclure has sued the government for wrongful dismissal and defamation

None of the allegations has been proven in court.

VICTORIA — A government drug researcher who was suspended as part of a widespread internal investigation gave “preferential treatment” by hiring a member of his extended family, the government has alleged.

The allegation is contained in government response to a lawsuit by Malcolm Maclure, the former co-director of a drug research division within the Ministry of Health,

Maclure was suspended without pay on July 17, and has since sued the ministry for wrongful dismissal and defamation.

He was the subject of a months-long investigation within the ministry into the alleged misuse of drug research data, which has now seen five employees terminated and two suspended.

In its response filed in court Oct. 5, the ministry said Maclure “gave preferential treatment to his preferred candidate and member of his extended family” when he hired his co-director.

The document did not outline the relationship, but Maclure’s co-director was Rebecca Warburton, who has also been a target of the investigation.

The government also alleges Maclure disclosed “confidential information … to one or more third parties, contrary to the (ministry’s) policies and procedures.”

It added that he “knowingly (failed) to prevent the unauthorized access to data by employees and/or third parties.”

It says Maclure was making about $41,000 per year at the time of his suspension, adding he had been under contract to work 17.5 hours a week.

In his suit, Maclure has said the ministry failed to provide him with a fair investigation, and that his suspension was “carried out in bad faith and was unfair, high-handed and reprehensible.”

He added that the ministry “defamed his character and reputation and harmed him in his professional and academic positions.”

None of the allegations has been proven in court.

Minister of Health Margaret MacDiarmid was not available Thursday to discuss the case, or provide an update on the internal investigation.

A ministry official said the government continues to pass information to the RCMP, but he could not say when the internal investigation will be complete.

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